Since 2015, Wildlife Alliance has been working tirelessly to empower women in rural Cambodia by offering a variety of support services, including scholarships, financial education, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and microcredits. 

These initiatives are designed to enhance the living standards of women and their families, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities. 

A particularly inspiring story is that of Chron Damphawat from Dei Tumneap village, Trapeang Rung commune. In 2023, she received a scholarship through the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, which allowed her to pursue a degree in accounting and taxation at National University of Management, Phnom Penh and to study English in the General English as a Second Language (GESL) program at Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC). Chron’s hard work and dedication culminated in her achieving the highest-Grade A in her English class, an accomplishment that earned her recognition from H.E. Hun Many, the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and Minister of Civil Service. 

“I am deeply grateful to Wildlife Alliance and the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project for giving me the invaluable opportunity to study English in GESL program at PUC. My journey at PUC has been transformative; I evolved from a student who once received an “E” on my diploma exam to one who now achieves top scores and had the incredible honor of standing beside H.E. Hun Many. I cherish this amazing opportunity and every moment of my graduation celebration,” says Chron Damphawat.

This acknowledgment serves as a testament to her commitment to education and personal growth. Wildlife Alliance and the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project play a vital role in uplifting countless rural women and their families, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to secure a brighter future. 

On this International Day of Rural Women, we take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering determination of these women as they strive to enhance their own lives and the well-being of their communities.